Turkey History & Culture Tour: 9 Days, Nemrut & Göbekli Tepe
Overview
Turkey History & Culture Tour: 9 Days, Nemrut & Göbekli Tepe
This 9-day, 8-night tour follows Turkey's history through six destinations, from the Ottoman and Byzantine monuments of Istanbul to some of the oldest sites of human civilization in the southeast.
You start in Istanbul, where history and culture sit side by side, then fly to Konya, a city known for its spiritual atmosphere and Sufi traditions. From there you continue to Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings set in an unusual landscape. A long road journey then brings you to Mount Nemrut, where the setting sun lights up the ancient statues and the views stretch far across the region.
The last part of the trip leads to Göbekli Tepe, the oldest known temple complex in the world, with its finely carved stone pillars, and to the village of Harran, famous for its beehive-shaped mudbrick houses and its links to the ancient world. A flight from Şanlıurfa then takes you back to Istanbul.
The price includes 8 nights of accommodation, a professional guide, round-trip airport transfers and the domestic flights in the itinerary. International flights to Istanbul are not included.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul & Airport Transfer
On arrival at Istanbul airport you are met and driven to your hotel.
Nothing is planned for the rest of the day. You meet your guide the next morning at 09:30 AM.
Day 2 – Classical Istanbul Old City Walking Tour
Your guide collects you from the hotel at 09:30 AM for a full day on foot through the heart of Ottoman and Byzantine Istanbul.
- 09:30 AM – Hotel pick-up: meet your guide at the hotel and set off into the old city.
- 10:00 AM – Topkapi Palace (optional): the former home of the Ottoman sultans, known for its history and fine architecture.
- 11:30 AM – Blue Mosque: the city's famous mosque, with delicate blue tiles and an imposing structure.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch break (not included): time for lunch at a local restaurant.
- 1:30 PM – Hippodrome: the old chariot-racing ground, where you see the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the German Fountain.
- 2:30 PM – Hagia Sophia (optional): a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Byzantine architecture and a vast, majestic interior.
- 3:30 PM – Grand Bazaar: the oldest covered market in the world, busy with shoppers looking for souvenirs, spices and textiles.
- 5:00 PM – Hotel drop-off: you are taken back to your Istanbul hotel for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 3 – Spice Market & Bosphorus Cruise, Flight to Konya
After breakfast you check out of the hotel and see more of Istanbul before your flight. The tour usually starts at about 09:00 and finishes by 16:00 at the latest.
The first stop is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, a busy market full of rich aromas, exotic spices, Turkish delight and other local products.
Next comes a relaxing Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia. From the water you see the city's mixed architecture and pass the grand Ottoman palaces of Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi.
After the cruise you transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Konya. On arrival you are taken to your hotel, with breakfast included.
Day 4 – Konya Tour & Transfer to Cappadocia
- 09:30 AM – Mevlana Museum: the day's sightseeing begins at the museum.
- 12:15 PM – Alaeddin Mosque and Hill: see the historic mosque and enjoy the peaceful views from the hill.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant: try Konya specialities such as etli ekmek or fırın kebabı.
- 02:15 PM – Karatay Madrasa: look at the fine Seljuk tilework and learn about the architectural heritage of the region.
- 04:00 PM – Transfer to Cappadocia: after the tour you set off by road.
- 06:30 PM – Arrival in Cappadocia: check in to your hotel.
Day 5 – Cappadocia Tour: Zelve, Pasabag, Avanos & Love Valley
The tour usually starts at about 09:00 and finishes by 16:00 at the latest.
Highlights of the day:
- Göreme Esentepe panoramic view: the day opens at the Esentepe viewpoint between Uçhisar and Göreme, looking out over fairy chimneys, the Cappadocian landscape and the small town of Esentepe.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: once a monastic community and a centre of Christian learning, Zelve has old monasteries, churches and chapels with well-preserved frescoes that tell the story of the region.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley): Paşabağ, also called Pasha's Vineyard, is known for its three-headed fairy chimneys and has some of Cappadocia's most dramatic rock shapes.
- Devrent Valley: a short drive away, this valley looks almost lunar, with small pointed fairy chimneys, some of which resemble animals and mythical creatures.
- Avanos pottery workshop: Avanos has made pottery since 3000 BC, and its craftsmen still shape clay from the Red River. You visit a traditional workshop and watch the potters at work.
- Love Valley: the last stop, where millions of years of erosion have carved cone-shaped pillars, pinnacles and fairy chimneys up to 40 metres tall, making it a favourite with photographers.
You then return to your cave hotel for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 6 – Optional Hot Air Balloon & Cappadocia Valleys Hike
- 05:00 AM – Hot air balloon ride (optional): start the day with a sunrise flight over Cappadocia's rock formations and fairy chimneys.
- 07:00 AM – Champagne toast and return to the hotel: a glass of champagne after landing, then a transfer back to your hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Pick-up for the Cappadocia tour: a guided day among some of the region's lesser-known corners.
The tour usually starts at about 09:00 and finishes by 16:00 at the latest.
Highlights of the day:
- Meskendir Valley (4.4 km trek): the day begins with a 4.4 km walk through Meskendir Valley near Ortahisar. On the way you can step inside Meskendir Church, decorated with bold red geometric patterns and a large cross carved into the chapel ceiling, and enjoy the scenery around it.
- Rose Valley: behind Ürgüp, this quiet valley is known for its rock formations and hidden churches cut into the rock. Its paths link small villages through vineyards and gardens, and friendly locals sometimes offer fresh grapes, apples or apricots.
- Red Valley: much like its neighbour Rose Valley, it has impressive rock formations and old cave churches, with a web of trails connecting remote villages and fields.
- Cavusin Valley: Çavuşin ranks among Cappadocia's oldest settlements, a maze of cave houses cut into the rock. It is also home to the Church of John the Baptist, the region's biggest cave church, which dates from the 5th century.
- Underground City: early Christians built 36 underground cities in Cappadocia to escape persecution. You visit the largest and best known of them, which has eight levels, and walk through parts of it, including old wineries, kitchens and living quarters.
- Pigeon Valley: on the edge of Göreme, the valley takes its name from the pigeon houses carved into its cliffs over the centuries. Farmers once used the droppings as natural fertiliser for their fields. Today it is a good place for wide views and photos.
- Uchisar Castle panorama: the final stop is Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. Its tall rock castle once served as a fortress, and from the top you can see across the whole region to Erciyes Mountain in the distance.
After a full day of walking and sightseeing, you return to your hotel at about 16:00 for the night.
Day 7 – Cappadocia to Mount Nemrut for Sunset
- 07:00 AM – Departure from Cappadocia: set off for the Nemrut Mountain region by private vehicle or guided transfer, with an optional breakfast stop on the way.
- 12:00 PM – Kahramanmaraş (optional): a stop in Kahramanmaraş to taste its famous ice cream and rest briefly before driving on.
- 02:30 PM – Arrival in Adıyaman: reach the Adıyaman area, the gateway to Mount Nemrut, for lunch at a local restaurant and a chance to freshen up.
- 04:00 PM – Drive to Nemrut National Park: the road to the mountain passes through scenic countryside and historic sites.
- 05:30 PM – Ascent of Mount Nemrut: from the base of the mountain you head up to the summit on foot, or by shuttle if one is available.
- 06:30 PM – The summit: time to look at the ancient statues and hear the story of the Commagene Kingdom at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 07:00 PM – Sunset at Mount Nemrut: watch the golden evening light fall on the statues and across the surrounding landscape.
- 08:30 PM – Descent and drive to Adıyaman: come back down the mountain and drive to Adıyaman city centre.
- 09:30 PM – Hotel check-in: check in to your hotel in Adıyaman and rest after a long day.
Day 8 – Göbekli Tepe & Harran, Flight Back to Istanbul
- 09:00 AM – Departure from Adıyaman: a private transfer takes you to Göbekli Tepe, often called the zero point of history.
- 10:30 AM – Göbekli Tepe: explore the site thought to be the oldest known temple complex in the world, with detailed stone carvings more than 12,000 years old.
- 12:00 PM – Departure from Göbekli Tepe: drive on to Harran, known for its beehive-shaped mudbrick houses and long history.
- 12:45 PM – Harran: walk through the historic village, see its old buildings and famous mudbrick houses, and learn about its role in the ancient world.
- 02:00 PM – Departure from Harran: return to Şanlıurfa for your flight to Istanbul.
- 03:00 PM – Arrival in Şanlıurfa: continue to Şanlıurfa Airport for the return flight.
- 05:00 PM – Flight from Şanlıurfa to Istanbul: board the plane and relax on the way back.
- 06:30 PM – Arrival in Istanbul: land in Istanbul and either continue with your own travel plans or check in to your hotel.
Day 9 – Departure Transfer from Istanbul
After breakfast you check out of the hotel, and our representative helps with your transfer to the airport. This is where our services end.
If you wish, you can add extra nights in Istanbul to stay longer.
Important Notes
Optional extras
- Cappadocia hot air balloon (Göreme): $310
- One extra night in an Istanbul hotel, before or after the tour: $65
- Upgrade to a private tour: $450
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓8 nights accommodation
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Round-trip airport transfers
- ✓Domestic Flight Fares in the itinerary
- ✕International flights to Istanbul
Write a review
Been on a trip with us? Tell other travelers how it went.
Travel guides
- Cappadocia Tours from Kayseri Airport: 1, 2 or 3 Days, Prices 2027
- Cappadocia in January 2027: Weather, Snow, Balloons and Tours
- Erciyes Ski Resort from Cappadocia: Season, Lift Prices, Day Trip 2027
- Cappadocia in December: Snow Odds, Weather, Balloons and Tours
- Cappadocia Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rain, Snow and Balloons
- Cappadocia Mistakes to Avoid on a First Visit: 14 Errors and Fixes
- Why Cappadocia Balloon Flights Get Cancelled, and What Happens Next
- 3-Day Cappadocia Itinerary: Balloon, Valleys, Ihlara and Göreme
- Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery
- Salt Lake Day Trip from Cappadocia: Pink Season, Sunset, Sultanhanı
Turkey history and culture tour with Nemrut, Göbekli Tepe and Harran: the key facts
This 9-day, 8-night group tour runs from Istanbul to the far southeast. It ends with a long last day at two of the oldest places people have lived and worshipped: Göbekli Tepe and the mudbrick village of Harran. Before that you get two nights in Istanbul, a flight to Konya and the Mevlana Museum, and three nights in Cappadocia. You then drive to Mount Nemrut for the sunset among the statues of the Commagene kings. A flight from Şanlıurfa takes you back to Istanbul on the evening of Day 8.
It suits travellers interested in early history, religion and archaeology who are comfortable with one very long road day and one full final day. The price is from $2,630 per person. A private upgrade is listed at $450.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | 9 days / 8 nights |
| Route | Istanbul – Konya – Cappadocia – Mount Nemrut (Adıyaman) – Göbekli Tepe – Harran – Şanlıurfa – Istanbul |
| Style | Group tour (private upgrade $450) |
| Start / end | Istanbul airport arrival / Istanbul airport departure |
| Included | 8 nights accommodation, professional guide, round-trip airport transfers, domestic flights Istanbul–Konya and Şanlıurfa–Istanbul |
| Extra | International flights, lunches, balloon flight ($310), extra Istanbul night ($65), Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia |
How is this different from the other 9-day history tour?
Both 9-day history tours cost $2,630 and share the same first seven days. The difference is Day 8. On the other 9-day tour you see only Göbekli Tepe and fly at 15:00. On this one you also spend about an hour and a quarter in Harran. The flight then leaves Şanlıurfa at 17:00 and lands in Istanbul at about 18:30. Choose this version if Harran matters to you and an evening arrival in Istanbul is fine.
What does the last day at Göbekli Tepe and Harran look like?
A private transfer leaves Adıyaman at 09:00, and you reach Göbekli Tepe at 10:30. It is thought to be the oldest known temple complex in the world, with carved pillars more than 12,000 years old. At 12:00 you drive on to Harran, arriving at 12:45. You walk through the village, known for its beehive-shaped mudbrick houses and its role in the ancient world. You leave at 14:00, reach Şanlıurfa Airport at about 15:00 and fly at 17:00. Most of the day is outdoors, so bring a hat and water. See our Göbekli Tepe guide.
How long is the drive to Mount Nemrut?
Day 7 is the longest day. You leave Cappadocia at 07:00, with an optional stop in Kahramanmaraş at about 12:00 for its well-known ice cream. You reach Adıyaman at 14:30 for lunch. At 16:00 you drive to Nemrut National Park, start up from the base at 17:30 on foot or by shuttle if one is running, and reach the summit at 18:30. Sunset is around 19:00, the descent starts at 20:30 and you check in in Adıyaman at about 21:30. The summit is colder than the valley, so bring a warm layer and a torch.
When should we go?
Mount Nemrut sets the season. The summit road is usually closed by snow for part of the winter, and the opening dates change every year. May to early October is the most reliable window. In some years the road is open from mid-April until mid-November. Harran and Göbekli Tepe are open-air sites, and you are there around midday. If you want to travel in spring or autumn, ask us to check the Nemrut road for your dates before you pay. See our Mount Nemrut page for the site itself.
Where do we sleep, and is the Day 8 night included?
You sleep two nights in Istanbul, one in Konya, three in Cappadocia (with a cave hotel night on Day 5), one in Adıyaman and one back in Istanbul. That adds up to the 8 nights in the price. The page gives no hotel names or star ratings. On Day 8 it also says that after landing you "continue with your own travel plans or check in to your hotel", which leaves the last night unclear. Ask us to confirm the Day 8 Istanbul hotel by name in writing. Our cave hotel guide explains the Cappadocia rooms.
What do the Konya and Cappadocia days include?
Day 4 in Konya covers the Mevlana Museum at 09:30 and the Alaeddin Mosque and hill at 12:15. Lunch at 13:00 is a chance to try etli ekmek or fırın kebabı. You see the Karatay Madrasa at 14:15 and leave for Cappadocia at 16:00. Day 5 is the north tour: Esentepe, Zelve, Paşabağ, Devrent, Avanos and Love Valley. Day 6 starts with the optional balloon at 05:00 ($310). At 09:00 the south valleys day begins, with the 4.4 km Meskendir walk, Rose and Red Valley, Çavuşin, an underground city and Uçhisar Castle.
What is included and what do we pay locally?
The inclusions list covers 8 nights, a professional guide, round-trip airport transfers and the two domestic flights. It does not list breakfast or entrance tickets. Breakfast is mentioned in the day plan for Istanbul, Konya and Cappadocia. Lunch on Day 2 is marked not included. The page does not say whether the lunches on Days 4 and 7 are covered. In Istanbul, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are optional. Ask us for a written list of meals and tickets in the price. At the Blue Mosque and the Alaeddin Mosque, cover shoulders and knees, and women should also cover their hair.
Can we add nights or extend the east?
Extra Istanbul nights cost $65 each, before or after the tour. The order of stops is fixed in this group plan. If you want to see more of the region, our Eastern Turkey guide lists other sites. The Historical Depth of Turkey 12-day tour from $3,990 adds Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus and Pamukkale before the same eastern sites. For your own route, ask about a tailor-made Turkey tour.
How do I book this history and culture tour?
Choose your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page and send it, or message us on WhatsApp. We check the flights, the Nemrut road and hotels for your dates. Then we send the full plan in writing, with hotel names, flight times and the Day 8 Istanbul hotel. You pay only after you have read and confirmed it. The tour is run by Get Turkey Tours, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.
Similar tours
Cappadocia 2-Day Trip from Istanbul with Flights & Cave Hotel Night
Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia, sleep one night in a cave hotel and fly back the next evening, with transfers included and a sunrise balloon as an option.
Cappadocia 2-Day Trip from Istanbul: Flights, Red & Green Tours, Hotel
Two days from Istanbul with round-trip flights: the Red Tour, a night in Cappadocia with the option of a sunrise balloon flight, and the Green Tour.